If you’re craving a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in a mug, this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Rich, indulgent, and super easy to make, it transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy drink that’s perfect for chilly nights or any time you want a little cocoa magic. The slow cooking lets all the flavors meld beautifully, creating a velvety texture and a depth of chocolate flavor that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your winter routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe comes together with ingredients that are straightforward yet crucial to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and chocolate richness. Each component plays a starring role, from the smooth cocoa powder to the luxurious heavy cream and the touch of maple syrup that rounds out the flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, giving the drink its rich base.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that makes the hot chocolate incredibly smooth and comforting.
- Whole milk: Balances the richness of the cream and cocoa while keeping the drink light enough to sip easily.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melt into the mix for an extra layer of gooey, sweet chocolate goodness.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that lends a subtle, cozy depth more interesting than plain sugar.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the chocolate’s warmth with a delicate fragrance.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to heighten the chocolate notes and balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Marshmallows (mini and large-sized): The ultimate finishing touch for that classic, melty hot chocolate experience.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Combine Cocoa Powder and Cream
Start by adding the unsweetened cocoa powder and heavy cream into the Crockpot. This combo is your flavor foundation and cream base, so whisk them together well until smooth to avoid any lumps and ensure even richness throughout your hot chocolate.
Step 2: Add Milk and Chocolate Chips
Next, whisk in the whole milk along with the milk chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. These ingredients bring that perfect sweetness, luscious melt, and nuanced warmth that make this hot chocolate stand out. Mixing everything while the liquid is cool helps chocolate chips start melting gradually as they heat.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Stir
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for two hours. At about the one-hour mark, give the mixture a good whisk to fully incorporate those melted chocolate chips and meld all flavors evenly. Slow cooking here is key—it develops a full-bodied chocolate taste and silky texture that you just can’t rush.
Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Once your hot chocolate is heated through and ready, ladle it into mugs and top generously with marshmallows. The warmth will melt them into soft, pillowy clouds of sweetness, making each sip totally irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
Marshmallows are classic for a reason, but feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup, or even a few crushed peppermint candies can elevate your hot chocolate to a café-level treat right at home.
Side Dishes
Hot chocolate pairs beautifully with baked goods like cookies, biscotti, or buttery scones. The warm, creamy drink balances perfectly with crunchy or tender pastries, making your cozy moment even more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe in clear mugs or glass mugs so the rich chocolate color shines through. Add fun, festive straws or cinnamon sticks as stirring spoons. You can also set up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their dream cup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover hot chocolate, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any ingredients that may have settled or separated.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, be aware the texture might change slightly once thawed due to the dairy. Freeze in an airtight container for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the best consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help refresh the creamy texture if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I make this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and flavor will be wonderfully rich and creamy without dairy.
What type of cocoa powder is best to use?
Unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder is ideal because it has a smoother, less acidic flavor that blends beautifully into creamy hot chocolate. If you only have natural cocoa powder, it will still work fine but may taste a little more tangy.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Simply reduce the maple syrup to your preference or omit the chocolate chips and add more cocoa powder instead. You can always sprinkle a touch of sugar or syrup on top for just the right amount of sweetness when serving.
Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will add a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and slightly less sweetness, which some people prefer. Just keep in mind it might alter the overall sweetness, so adjust maple syrup accordingly.
Can I double or halve this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe?
Definitely. The recipe scales well according to your needs. Just use an appropriately sized Crockpot and keep an eye on cooking times if you make a smaller or larger batch to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe is the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a beautifully rich, creamy chocolate drink that’s incredibly easy to make. It’s a little ritual that brings warmth and joy, perfect for winter evenings or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. So grab your Crockpot, stir up this luscious hot chocolate, and enjoy every cozy sip—you absolutely deserve it!
Print
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 drinks
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and perfectly warm beverage ideal for cozy cold days. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, it combines cocoa powder, heavy cream, milk chocolate chips, and maple syrup to deliver a luscious sweet treat. Topped with marshmallows, this homemade hot chocolate is comfort in a cup made easy with minimal prep and plenty of time to infuse flavors while simmering gently.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 7 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings
- Marshmallows (mini and large-sized, as desired)
Instructions
- Combine Cocoa and Cream: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and heavy cream into the Crockpot. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps to create a creamy, chocolate base.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, milk chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a rich-flavored mixture.
- Cook on Low: Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 2 hours. At the 1-hour mark, remove the lid and whisk the mixture thoroughly to help the chocolate chips fully melt and incorporate evenly. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the hot chocolate is heated through and reaches your preferred temperature.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini and/or large-sized marshmallows as desired. Serve immediately for a comforting, indulgent drink.
Notes
- Stirring halfway through cooking ensures the chocolate chips melt evenly and prevents scorching.
- You can adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if preferred.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; alternative milk can be used but may change flavor and consistency.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s Irish Cream just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the Crockpot before serving.
